A Letter From Our President & CEO | |
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"If the government is covering up knowledge of aliens, they are doing a better job of it than they do at anything else." - Stephen Hawking.
"Two possibilities exist: Either we are alone in the Universe, or we are not. Both are equally terrifying." - Arthur C. Clarke.
"I believe the American people are entitled to a more thorough explanation than has been given them by the Air Force. I think we owe it to the people to establish credibility regarding UFOs and to produce the greatest possible enlightenment of the subject." - Gerald Ford.
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I will always be grateful that I had the good fortune to be raised in a magically grounded and realistic family just west of Flint, Michigan. Growing up, it seemed to me that my parents were quite a bit more conservative with the family budget than most of my friends, but I never dared to utter a complaint because I never missed a single meal, and I never went to school with holes in my clothes unless I did so by design. There was, however, always one reckless spending avenue available to my brothers and me; we could have any book we wanted; all we had to do was ask. As the years rolled by and I had a family of my own, I found this policy to be sound and implemented it with great vigor. When I was ten years old, I remember ordering the book "Stranger Than Science" by Frank Edwards from the Scholastic Book sale at school. I was often the only kid in my class who ordered anything. (I remember vividly that some of the teachers rolled their eyes when I raised my hand to indicate I did have an order. I took a small white envelope to the teacher's desk with $.90 in exact change to make this exciting purchase. When it was delivered the very next week, I recall staying up well past my prescribed bedtime reading many of the fantastic stories contained therein, and this was my introduction to UFOs. By my best reckoning, the year was 1967.
Since the King Tut exhibit opened on January 3rd, 2024, I have been asked hundreds of times, "How are you going to top this?" I realized that it would take something out of this world to top the success of Tut, and the answer was clear. On a date to be determined in December, we will commence with the World premiere of a well-engineered, self-produced exhibition called "UFOs – Disclosure and Discernment." The exhibit will be an exceedingly serious-minded and painstakingly researched presentation of the most well-documented facts available. It will be presented with a host of interactive technology, but it will rely heavily on compelling truths. In my 56 years of constant study of the topic, I have grown more than a touch resentful that our government, academia, and the media seem to have all agreed that the average American is simply "not ready" to know the truth. I'm afraid I have to disagree. I have joined the Mutual Unidentified Flying Object Network (MUFON) and will attend their annual meeting in Fort Worth, Texas. I will also attend a conference with noted UFOlogist Stephen Greer in July. I hope to rely on both of them to provide a solid, irrefutable evidence base as the exhibit's core. With the help of some bold and beloved sponsors, the exhibit will not be limited to being just the talk of the town…it will grow legs and open eyes as it goes on a US tour. Please don't hesitate to share your thoughts – at rsteele@hsmc-fl.com.
The truth is assuredly out there, and it is about to make a perfect landing on Hutchinson Island.
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Rob Steele
President & CEO
Historical Society of Martin County
Elliott Museum
Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum
P: (772) 225-1961 Ext. 109
rsteele@hsmc-fl.com
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IN CELEBRATION OF KING TUT
Now through May 31, 2024
These remarkable objects have been recreated by historians and artists in Egypt using locally sourced, authentic materials, scaled and finished to perfection.
GET TICKETS
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THE CAPTAIN'S CORNER
Now through Dec. 31, 2024
Patrick Armstrong and son began collecting Derek Jeter memorabilia since Derek the early 1990’s and is now on exhibit, commemorating Jeter’s unique baseball career.
GET TICKETS
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THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL EVENTS & LECTURES | |
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70 DAYS...THE MAKING OF TUT'S TOMB
Thursday, May 2 from 10:00AM
Thursday May 16 from 2:00 PM
Inspired by frequently asked questions by the audience at his previous talks, Mike has come up with a whole new topic for May!
GET TICKETS
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THE DEEP DARK HISTORY OF SUBMARINES OFF THE FLORIDA COAST
Tuesday, May 14 from 11:00AM
Wednesday May 15 from 2:30 PM
Join us at the House of Refuge for this captivating lecture on the fascinating world of submarine activity off the coast of Florida.
GET TICKETS
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FREE TO ALL!
Tuesday, May 7 from 10:00AM
Join us at the Open House of the Historic House of Refuge (1876), for guided tours of Martin County’s oldest building and don’t miss this chance to step back in time!
LEARN MORE
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2024 AWARD RECEPTION
Thursday, May 23 from 5:00PM
Join us at the Elliott Museum to honor Kathy Spurgeon for her outstanding contributions to preserving Martin County’s rich history!
LEARN MORE
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FREE TO ALL!
Tuesday, May 28 from 5:00PM
Join us at the Elliott Museum Open House featuring “Rememberances”, a captivating talk by Laura Kay Whiticar Darvil on the life and art of her father, local icon Curt Whiticar.
LEARN MORE
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Your Generosity continues to humble me
Rob Steele, with input from others at the Elliott and House of Refuge, created a Wish List of about 24 items that we would like to have at the museums to make your Guest Experience better, more enjoyable and in some cases, more comfortable and convenient. Items on our Wish List range from entrance signage, power tools for exhibit construction, portable exhibit sound system, event stage lighting, artwork hanging system enhancements, new Adirondack chairs for the House of Refuge, Sail Shades for the patio outside the Forum, new carpet for our Shuttle, aka Refuge Runner to a replacement of the “Boomerang” system in the Car Gallery. To date, nine (9) of our wishes have come true because of YOU!
THANK YOU THANK YOU Henry & Rocky Grady, Linda M. Miller, Daniel E. Smith Jr and Elizabeth G. Riley, and The Bea M. Rais Merkle Fund at The Community Foundation of Martin St. Lucie for making some of our wishes come true.
Of course, we still have Wishes available and they begin at $500. If you would like to see our Wish List, please contact me and I’ll provide you with a copy. We will recognize your generosity not only with our everlasting gratitude, but with a plaque if agree.
As always, I truly appreciate your thoughtful consideration and continued support.
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Linda Prange
Vice President Development
Historical Society of Martin County
Elliott Museum
Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum
P: (772) 225.1961 Ext. 110
E: linda@hsmc-fl.com
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THE BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER! | |
As a Family Level Member or higher, you have access to free or discounted admission to 134 museums in Florida alone with the NARM and SERM reciprocal benefits. One of the participating museums is the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum in St Augustine, FL. | | |
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Every Room Has a Story...
In 1798, Don Andres Ximenez built this fine three-story coquina home for his bride, Juana Pellicer. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of overnight guests sought refuge within our walls from war, sickness, hurricanes, and to start new adventures in the paradise of Florida, just to name a few.
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There are many other creative ways to support the Museums that are fun and beneficial! Below are just a few opportunities. Check them out and call Linda at
(772) 225-1961 Ext. 110
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ART & HISTORY COLLECTION CURATOR, CHESSY RICCA | |
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In a continuation of last month’s newsletter, we will dig into John Ashley’s life 100 years ago, but especially the months leading up to his death on November 1, 1924.
Another tale comes from Reverend Lundy of the local AME church who told John to hide out on the roof of the church. This way the reverend would avoid a lie by telling the sheriff’s that John was not inside the Reverend’s church when probed about John’s whereabouts. When we look at the facts of this story, we see that the local community was on the Ashley’s side.
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Chessy Ricca
Curator of Art & History Collection
Historical Society of Martin County
Elliott Museum
Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum
P: (772) 225.1961 Ext. 125
C: (772) 561.308.8309
E: cricca@elliottmuseumfl.org
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Car events for this month include:
- Car shows every Wednesday night from 4-7PM
- Cars N Coffee on the second Saturday of the month (5/11/24)
- Garage tours every Thursday at 11 AM
Guests can take a cruise in one of our classic cars
(minimum donation required except for Sterling members)
Use of the museum garage and tools.
You can bring your classic car or daily driver into our garage for simple repairs or maintenance (appointments only, donation required)
Come and see our Motorcycle Collections grouped together to include: Harley, Indian, Sun, Yale, Moto Guzzi and more!
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any questions and note, events will be canceled for lightning or steady rain. Please call before coming out to confirm at (772) 225-1961
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Jim Ferrare
Car Curator
Historical Society of Martin County
Elliott Museum
Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum
P: (772) 225.1961 Ext. 111
E: jferrare@elliottmuseumfl.org
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The Elliott Museum and the House of Refuge are blessed with a legion of vibrant and gifted volunteers from across the country who bring their own rich histories from all walks of life. The common thread among them is their shared passion for our museums, and their enthusiasm to make your visitor experience the best that it can be. Come visit Marilyn at the Elliott Museum on Saturday mornings where she’ll greet you with a smile! | |
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MARILYN NORDINE
What did you do for a living in your career life?
I was first an elementary teacher and then most of my career was as a Sr. Representative for New York State United Teachers. In this capacity I negotiated and enforced public employee labor contracts.
What are your special interests/passions?
My special interests have at various times included raising and showing dogs, particularly Skye Terriers and West Highland Whites as well as sailing both racing and cruising. My current interests include photography as well as traveling.
What is something that would surprise us about you?
I am a wildlife photographer spending hours in Florida’s many swamps and estuaries.
What’s your favorite thing about volunteering at the HSMC?
Working the front desk is ideal for me as I love meeting people and especially the children.
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Ales Day
Vice President Guest Experience
Historical Society of Martin County
Elliott Museum
Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum
P: (772) 225-1961 Ext. 102
E: aday@elliottmuseumfl.org
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Fast Fact: Did You Know?
The reason Furruccio Lamborghini chose a furious bull for his famous car’s emblem is that he loved bullfighting and was fascinated by the powerful stance of raging bulls.
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May 12th is Mother’s Day, and our Gift Shop has the perfect gift for your Mom! Jewelry, notecards, soaps, clothes, original art and so much more are waiting for you. You’ll be amazed with the variety and quality! AND members receive 10% off purchases.
Shop today at the Elliott and at the House of Refuge!
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UPCOMING TRIPS!
The world is traveling again—so don’t delay in making your reservations! Bookings are really filling up quickly.
Travel with the Elliott and discover a world of exceptional itineraries, rich cultural experiences, superb dining and wines, and wonderful camaraderie with fellow travelers. When you book through the Elliott travel program, you will receive a complimentary HSMC Annual Membership to the Elliott and the House of Refuge museums. Choose from the great cruises and tours hosted by the Elliott, as well as an amazing array of domestic and international tours offered by Mayflower Cruises and Tours.
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8-day Midwest Fall Foliage Tour
September 2024
Includes the Henry Ford Museum, 2 nights in the romantic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and lots more!
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Danube River Christmas Market Cruise
December 7-18, 2024
It’s a magical journey of a lifetime! From Budapest to experience Europe’s most iconic and festive Christmas markets.
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Portugal to Ireland: History & Traditions
June 11, 2025
Enjoy a 12-day all-inclusive cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht from Portugal to Ireland.
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EVERY WEEK AT THE ELLIOTT:
Tune Up Tuesday: Weekly at 2 PM
Wednesday SoundWaves: Weekly at 6 PM
Saturday Sound Healing: Weekly at 6 PM
Sound Healing Sunday: Weekly at 2 PM
Deena Rahill: Certified Sound Practitioner and Founder of Sound Vibrational Healing. Find out more about sound healing, upcoming events, and what Deena does to make you feel refreshed and relaxed.
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PHILLY DOWN SOUTH - AT THE TIKI HUT | |
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CHECK OUT OUR
LIVE MUSIC!
Every Friday and Saturday Night
from 6 to 9 PM
Jam Session every Tuesday Night
from 6 to 9 PM
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